The Tucker County Board of Education met in regular session on Monday, June 23, 2014. With all Board members present, the Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
The first item of business was several special recognitions:
*Carole Pennington, a special education aide at TVEMS, received the Tucker County Schools Exemplary Service Personnel Award.
*Tucker County Schools ‘ Knights of the Golden Horseshoe (an award based on the results of test scores) was given to: Destiny Meador and Michael Gherman.
TVEMS WOW Students of the Year were presented. This year’s winners were: Gracie Nestor and Cassie Davis
*Amber Kyle, cheerleading coach at Tucker County High School, was named West Virginia Coaches Association Cheer Coach of the Year. Kyle said she absolutely loves what she does and gives credit to the kids.
Two long-term board members were honored on this, their last meeting.
Board President Jared Parsons who later in the evening said: “The first most important thing (as a board member) is to train and educate our children. I leave it in your capable hands and wish you all the best of luck.”
Board Member Jerry DiBacco is stepping down after fourteen years of service. DiBacco is proud of his 351-straight meeting attendance which is possibly a state record for longest consecutive meeting attendance of any county school board member.
The Board then moved on to special presentations. Mrs. Brusak, gave the TVEMS LSIC presentation in place of Principal Tracy Chenoweth who was unavailable to attend. Brusak highlighted some of the school year’s accomplishments such as correcting some findings on the ESEA audit. A tardy bell was instituted, the breakfast times were streamlined, co-planning time was made for teachers of the same grade, whole wing meetings for teachers were held, procedures were put in place for students’ assistance teams, and the school climate was worked on. Next year they are looking forward to being able to offer students some “specials” such as: theatre, pre A/P math, semi-private lessons in guitar, and journalism classes.
Having no Delegations pertaining to agenda items the Board then approved minor agenda adjustments.
The Board moved on to consent items where it approved the minutes of both the Public Budget Hearing and the May 27, 2014 Regular Meeting were approved. The Board approved budget supplements and transfers, approved vendor accounts and paid bills, and the April board financial report.
The Board approved out of state travel requests for Olivia Snider, Alisha Winans, and Stephanie Burns, and also a field trip request for Tucker County High School HOSA students to attend the HOSA National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida.
The Board reviewed the intent to homeschool from Matt and Jenny Helmick for their daughter Lilyan Helmick.
The Board motioned and passed BrickStreet Mutual Insurance Company as the provider for Workers Compensation Insurance. They cited Travelers’ Insurance’s three new policy requirements as the reason for switching. The requirements if enacted would have cost the school system a considerable amount.
The Board reviewed the proposed drug testing policy for the Simulated Workplace program at the high school. The policy is modeled after one from Barbour County. The public is free to come in and examine the policy.
The Board approved the addition of the following meeting date:
July 7th, 2014- Regular Meeting- Board Room-4:30p.m.
During Information Reports the Board reviewed the Transportation report and the in-state travel requests. Superintendent Campbell asked for and received the blessing from the Board to become the Chairperson for the RESA 7.
Having no delegations pertaining to non-agenda items the Board moved on to personnel/legal recommendations.
The Board approved the following recommendations:
Creation of:
1.0 Kindergarten Teacher – DTEMS
.5 Math Teacher- DTEMS
.5 Special Education Teacher- DTEMS
Abolishment of:
1.0 First Grade Teacher- TVEMS
1.0 Special Education Teacher- DTEMS
Extension of Employment Contract:
James Hamric- High School Principal increase from 240 day contract to 261 day contract.
David Lambert- Treasurer/Director of Finance increase from 240 day contract to 261 day contract.
Jonathan Hicks- Director of Support Services/Food Service Director from 240 day contract to 261.
After an executive session Superintendent Campbell recommended removal of a personnel matter which would have asked for permission to increase the supplemental compensation for James Hamric, David Lambert, and Jonathan Hicks.
The Board approved 2014-2015 employment of:
Valerie Eye- 4th Grade Teacher, DTEMS, full time, 200 day contract.
Josh Evans- Secondary Math Teacher, DTEMS, half time, 200 day contract.
Megan Helmick- Kindergarten Teacher, DTEMS, 200 day contract.
Fred Sikarski- Substitute Teacher.
The Board approved the resignation of:
Tracy Chenoweth- Principal, TVEMS effective June 30, 2014.
Employment of:
Steve Minear as Bus Operator, Run 10A, Clover Run/ Mt. Zion.
Employment of:
David Lambert- Asst. Boys’ Basketball Coach, TCHS
Josh Evans- Head Football Coach, TVEMS
Appointment of:
Gregory Hyre- Volunteer Assistant Girls’ Basketball Coach, TCHS, 2014-2015 school year (pending certification).
Resignation of:
Stephanie Murphy- Assistant Softball Coach, effective immediately, TCHS.
The Board entertained the motion for adjournment. In their final official acts, Jerry DiBacco made the motion, and Jared Parsons seconded. The motion passed.
The next meeting of the Tucker County Board of Education will be held Monday, July 7, 2014 at 4:30 p.m. at the Tucker County Board Office. For questions or more information call: 304-704-2771.
